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Richard's Rapid Fire - March 17, 2017

With record-breaking banker attendance, a sold-out exhibit hall and over 1,300 attendees, CBA LIVE: Where [ it ] Begins is 2017's biggest retail banking event of the year. Be sure to join us in Dallas, April 3-5, at the Gaylord Texan to catch entrepreneur, Heisman Trophy winner and former Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Roger Staubach, Saleforce Einstein’s VP of Marketing Jim Sinai, and U.S. Bank’s Chairman and CEO Richard Davis on the big stage during our general sessions. Remember, we’re sporting western wear throughout so come prepared with your boots and jeans.

Be sure to register and follow all the CBA LIVE action on Twitter @ConsumerBankers.

Is the Department of Education a Predator or Fiduciary on Student Lending?

Can you believe this? New data from the Department of Education shows more than 3,000 people per day defaulted on their federal student loan in 2016. From 2015 to 2016, the federal student loan default rate saw an enormous 17 percent increase. Not only does this spell bad news for students, but the country as a whole. Currently, student loans held by the federal government account for 31 percent of federal government assets. If this trend continues, it could have dire consequences on the financial well-being of our nation. Is it just me or is the Department of Education acting more like a predatory lender than a fiduciary towards federal student loan borrowers? Much like our member-banks in the private market, the Department of Education would be wise to help borrowers “Know Before they Owe” by providing them with clear, concise disclosures on the total cost of their loan.

With the OCC moving forward with its creation of a Fintech charter, I’m concerned the agency is acting too quickly. I agree with House Financial Service Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling, if the OCC grants limited-purpose charters to Fintech in haste proper oversight may be overlooked. As I noted in my op-ed published in The Hill, it is in the OCC’s best interest to follow the carpenter’s rule — measure twice, cut once. The OCC’s Office of Innovation must ensure they possess the knowledge and expertise necessary before incorporating Fintech companies into the federal banking system.

CBA Supports Bill Streamlining Banking

Every sector of the economy is undergoing a digital transformation, and banking is no different. This is why CBA sent a letter to Congress in support of the MOBILE Act. This bill would allow consumers to open bank accounts without having to visit a branch, streamlining the process for millions of Americans regardless of where they live in America. We thank Representatives Scott Tipton (R-CO), Randy Hultgren (R-IL), Patrick McHenry (R-NC), David Scott (D-GA), Terri Sewell (D-AL), and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) for introducing this legislation.

Membership Spotlight: Regions Named Top Bank for Customer Experience

Congratulations to Regions Bank for being recognized as the highest-ranked bank and the fourth-highest rated company across all industries for customer experience in the latest Temkin Group survey. CBA Board Member John Owen of Regions noted the bank’s success is due to their commitment to superior service, and their focus on providing their customers with convenience and value. Well done, Regions!

Could a TCPA Petition Cause Companies to Break Laws?

In a joint letter to the FCC, CBA and other trade groups highlighted the negative impacts the Petition for Rulemaking and Declaratory Ruling would have on businesses and consumers if granted. As written, the petition submitted to the FCC may cause many companies across various industries to choose between violating the TCPA or established laws which mandate companies contact their customers. Overall the petition is tone deaf, and it fails to acknowledge the fact companies call their customers to provide valuable information they want. To avoid these disastrous consequences, we requested the FCC deny the petition.

CFPB’s Past, Present, and Future: A Look at Developing Issues

With Dodd-Frank reform on the horizon, the CFPB has been a hot topic in Washington, D.C. With more than 1,600 employees, a budget of nearly $680 million, and jurisdiction over an array of financial products, the Bureau’s power is immense and far-reaching. To stay in tune with the developing debate, this Q&A by Bloomberg’s Elizabeth Dexheimer and Laurence Arnold is well worth reading.